Get it now on

A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Positive Messages

Strongly promotes that idea that there are no winners in a nuclear war. Along with that, the story shows the consequences of putting too much power into the hands of machines, without the fail safe of human wisdom and compassion.

Positive Role Models & Representations

A brilliantly obsessive high school student is never punished for infractions such as hacking into a computer to change a grade or rigging the system to fool his parents and school officials. He’s a boy without a moral compass until he learns a hard lesson. Lots of ethnic diversity among law enforcement and authorities, portrayed as basically honest, hardworking and doing their best. David has relatively clueless but well-meaning parents.

Violence

Heightened suspense as missiles are nearly launched to set off a nuclear war. One character holds a gun to another man's head; a speeding car crashes through a gate. The young hero is taken into custody and narrowly escapes in time to save the day.

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that WarGames is a suspense-filled drama that will appeal to older kids, teens, and grownups. While there’s no violent action and the film delivers a sound message, it's a race against time -- nuclear weapons are about to be launched. Young heroes face off against the FBI and the military; war and peace hang in the balance. There's frequent swearing and use of some obscenities, as well as product placement throughout.

What's the story?

America comes to the brink of World War III when a teenager accidentally hacks into a military computer. The story begins when computer gamer David (Matthew Broderick) accidentally cracks into the Pentagon's computer system and starts to play the game Global Thermonuclear War. But the game is real, and the fate of the world is at stake, leaving David, his friend Jennifer (Ally Sheedy), and government official McKittrick (Dabney Coleman) are in a race to stop the Pentagon computer from bombing Russia.

Is it any good?

Although dated in appearance, this clever and suspenseful movie questions both an overreliance on technology and the Reagan-era defense policy. This movie makes a strong case against nuclear war, portraying it as a game of brinksmanship with no winners. It also warns against leaving the responsibility of starting a nuclear war to artificial intelligence technology. The final sequence dramatizes these dangers with simulated explosions on wall-sized screens.

Nevertheless, WarGames manages to have fun with a very serious topic. The overall atmosphere of the movie is playful, as kids ride their bikes from house to house while the fate of the world rests in their hands. The Pacman-era technology may seem hokey by today's standards, but the military command center, with its multiple screens, is still impressive. Ironically, much of the "computer" simulation was accomplished with good old-fashioned animation. The movie anticipates various technological advances, most notably the explosion of the Internet. Teens interested in computers and game theory will find much to enjoy.

Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.

Headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Help center

Follow Common Sense Media

Common Sense, Common Sense Media, Common Sense Education, and Common Sense Kids Action, associated names, associated trademarks, and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN 41-2024986).